Challenge Group has entered the African market for the first time, launching a new airfreight route connecting its hub at Liege Airport (LGG) in Belgium to Nairobi (NBO), Kenya.
The new service, which began operations on December 2, includes twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays. The flights are operated using Boeing 767 freighter aircraft, each offering a cargo capacity of approximately 400 cubic meters and capable of carrying up to 52 tons.
Nairobi, a significant hub for perishable goods, represents a key market for Challenge Group as it works to address the growing demand for airfreight solutions across Africa.
Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the route:
“Our decision to launch flights to Nairobi is driven by our customer-centric approach. With the increasing demand for airfreight solutions out of Africa, we are delighted to offer our clients dependable access to this emerging market. Additionally, by linking Nairobi to our hub in Liege, we are strengthening Liege’s role as a competitive and well-equipped hub for handling and distributing perishable cargo.”
This new African connection builds on the Group’s ongoing global expansion efforts. Earlier this year, Challenge Group introduced a new route to Delhi, India, in October, and a scheduled freighter service from Liege to Dubai World Central (DWC) via Tel Aviv (TLV) in May.
The Group has also recently completed its Boeing 767 freighter conversion program, now operating four B767-300BDSF aircraft. These additions have increased capacity on its Boeing 747 freighters, enabling extended long-haul operations and bolstering connectivity across Europe, the Far East, and the US.
Challenge Group’s fleet now comprises 10 aircraft, including both 747 and 767 freighters. The fleet is managed across three airlines: Challenge Airlines IL in Israel, Challenge Airlines BE in Belgium, and Challenge Airlines MT in Malta.
By adding Nairobi to its network, Challenge Group continues to expand its footprint, providing innovative and reliable solutions to meet the global demand for air cargo services.